The big problem that Manchester United must solve ASAP

When it comes to football clubs, it’s a well-known trait that they have somewhat of a hierarchy in terms of shirt numbers. There is an air of expectation around a number, depending on who has worn it previously. I don’t need to tell you the importance of the number seven at Manchester United; but is this once-famous shirt now doomed?

Considering the last few players who donned the number worn by the best of the best – as in Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best, and of course the King Eric Cantona – it isn’t looking good at Old Trafford.

Antonio Valencia had a stab at the number seven shirt back in 2012 after Michael Owen (yes, really) left, but this was very much short lived. The big number did not inspire and after just a season in single digits, the Ecuadorean gave up the privilege to return to number 25. All is not lost though, as Valencia has been rejuvenated since been under the watchful eye of Jose Mourinho. The winger-cum-fullback may be in the form of his life at the minute; but this is a far cry from the player he was at #7.

What about Galactico, Angel Di Maria? One of the key players at Real Madrid, in particular he ran the show at the all-important ‘La Decima’ (2014 Champions League final), would take on the prestigious number seven and you couldn’t think of a better fit for the job. Only, Di Maria did not fit whatsoever. El Fideo’s time at United was hardly glittering. He had that goal against Leicester, just in case anyone forgot. But all in all, the general consensus was the man who does not want to play will not play and Ashley Young was chosen ahead of the big name signing from Real. Unsurprisingly, Di Maria soon left for the dizzying heights of Paris St-Germain and has been dubbed a ‘snake’ ever since.

And now to present day – Dutchman Memphis Depay. Where do you even begin? When signed by Louis van Gaal, United fans jumped straight onto good old YouTube to see what all the fuss is about. Eyes flickered when the free kick compilations paired with a dubstep backing track appeared, but his Eredivisie form hasn’t quite been replicated in a red shirt. Can we entirely blame the player? Of course not.

The chances are not there for him, and how much can he truly show when he’s given about seven minutes to do his best? It’s no wonder whispers of a move in January have been circulating – with Everton believed to be Depay’s next destination. As he’s only 22 years old, Memphis does have to think long and hard about his best options. Playing for Manchester United is a dream (according to every PR agency who are employed by any footballer ever) but is it viable in the long run?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtJ-NFvquTM

One player can wear a number and make it an iconic blueprint for those who follow in order to inspire the next generation. This has been the case at Manchester United but it now begs the question – is the pressure too much? Seemingly, if recent attempts are anything to go by. The number 9 and 11 had their issues in recent seasons too, though. Berbatov’s successor was Radamel Falcao – which seems ridiculous – but Falcao just couldn’t produce the goods in a shirt wore by the likes of Andy Cole and the Berbagod himself.

Anthony Martial dipped his toe in the sea of number nine-hood, but how it sits snugly on one of the best forwards in the world: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But the number seven, the epitome of Manchester United’s numbers, isn’t even rotting on the bench – he’s a nobody at present. Unless Depay gets more opportunities, and can produce something magical, the number seven is quickly becoming a shadow of what it once represented.

12 of the greatest ever Manchester United moments

Eric Cantona

Everyone can remember that chip against Sunderland from King Eric. Everything about the goal, the flight time of the ball to the celebration of the Frenchman was nothing short of poetry. The look from United’s no. 7, and the hoist of the collar just about summed up the football renegade in 30 seconds. Image Source: Twitter

Gary Neville

If people ask, are Liverpool, Man United’s greatest rivals? You only have to look as far as that Gary Neville celebration against the Merseyside club. Whether he was right or wrong, you couldn't help but let out a wry smile when G Nev celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans. It led to the United captain being charged £5,000. But, who could blame the right-back? Rio Ferdinand’s last-minute winner against Liverpool, no doubt made the fine well worth it. Image Source: Twitter

Robin van Persie

Lol RvP doesn't start for Fenerbahce now. Image Source: Getty

’20, times, 20 times…’

This is an odd choice, but one Man United fans may never forget. The Reds were 3-0 down at Old Trafford, to LIVERPOOL, under David Moyes. Could there be a worst case scenario? You'd usually expect to hear a load of Mancs swearing to the away end, or ripping their chairs out. However, the Stretford End instead sang ’20 times, 20 times…’ for around 10 solid minutes. An amazing moment, in which history and tradition outweighed getting turned over 3-0 by the biggest enemy on home soil. Incredible. Image Source: Twitter

Steve Bruce

Welcome to 'Fergie Time'. The old boy was known for his ferocious watch-tapping as he chumps on the gum harder than a raver at some grimy festival. Big Stevie Bruce’s winner against, Sheffield Wednesday, seven minutes after the whistle had gone, to clinch the title, is the best possible introduction to the famous 'Fergie Time'. Brian Kidd’s celebration on the touchline wasn’t bad either. Image Source: Twitter

Alan Hansen

Who could ever forget the Scot's famous line in 1995, “You'll never win anything with kids”. We often see pundits eat their own words, but nothing has quite topped Hansen’s rant, followed by the infamous line. How wrong the pundit could be, as the ‘kids’ went on to a memorable title. Image Source: Twitter

Wayne Rooney

"Nani crosses the ball from the touchline, and it's Rooneyyyyyyy!" Image Source: Twitter

Man United 8, Arsenal 2

The image of Fergie almost looking apologetic, and consoling Wenger on the touchline after the game was one of the pictures of 2011. Image Source: Twitter

David Beckham

One of the ‘kids’. The one leading the pack with a new haircut every day. That weekend against Wimbledon, the golden curtains decided to score one of the most famous Premier League goals ever. Image Source: Twitter

Noisy Neighbours

After Fergie coined the blue-half of Manchester, the Noisy Neighbours, what better way to silence them through a Liverpool legend - step up, Michael Owen. Image Source: Twitter

Pizza Gate

To be fair to Arsenal, the ‘2004 Invincibles’ was probably the best ever Premier League team. To go a whole season undefeated, highlighted the balance and brilliance Wenger had at his disposal. However, all that had to come to an end, and of course, it was at Old Trafford. The 2-0 victory for the Red Devils ended in real drama, with Cesc Fabregas, throwing Pizza at the United boss, and about a 22-man brawl in the tunnel. They don’t make rivalries like this anymore! Image Source: Twitter

Bye-bye Fergie

Fergie’s last game at Old Trafford won’t be remembered as a classic, a 2-1 victory against Swansea. But the guard of honour, to the boss’s speech was an overwhelming occasion for United fans. A real moment of history at Man United, as the league waved goodbye to its greatest ever manager. Image Source: Twitter